1. Public Health in Simcoe Muskoka Charles Gardner, Medical Officer of Health Sue Surry, Associate Medical Officer of Health Lisa Simon, Associate Medical Officer of Health

2. Presentation Overview An overview of public health, focusing on Simcoe Muskoka Case studies re joint work between public health and family medicine: Gestational Weight Gain Clinical Service Programs: –Vaccine Preventable Diseases –Communicable Disease –Sexual Health Community water fluoridation campaign in Orillia

3. Public Health Is… A 160 year old movement Strategies focused on populations To prevent disease and injury, and protect and promote health

4. Taking Action On The Things That Make Us Healthy Environment –physical, social, political, economic Behavior –smoking, diet, physical activity, injuries, sexual health Human Biology –age, gender, family history Health Care –prevention, treatment, rehabilitation

5. The Impact of Public Health: Life Expectancy Trends The Urban Futures Institute: Research on Population, Community Change and land Use in British Columbia

6. The Impact of the Public Health Movement Beginnings of public sanitation movement in the 19th century –Municipal water sanitation and sewage systems –Child universal education –Improving incomes, housing, nutrition, –Working conditions –Infection control practices: Water and food safety Health care –Vaccination (smallpox) Dr. John Snow, cholera and the Broad St. pump

7. We have room to further increase life expectancy: 7 more years with healthy behaviour… Source: SEVEN MORE YEARS: The impact of smoking, alcohol, diet, physical activity and stress on health and life expectancy in Ontario. Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Public Health Ontario

8. And 4 more years with health equity. Source: SEVEN MORE YEARS: The impact of smoking, alcohol, diet, physical activity and stress on health and life expectancy in Ontario. Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Public Health Ontario

9. Simcoe Muskoka Servicing 504,110 people (2011 Census) 8,797 square kilometers Population increase 5% from 2006 to 2011 Four upper tier / single tier municipalities (26 municipal councils)

10. The Ontario Public Health Standards & Protocols

11. Water Drinking –To ensure the drinking water the public has access to is potable by: assessing risk in reports of adverse results responding to identified risks and hazards informing and educating the public Inspection of drinking water systems

12. Food Safety Program 2011 Highlights –Over 6000 inspections of high, medium and low-risk premises –Responded to 398 consumer complaints –21 charges laid under Food Premises Regulation –1200 food handlers pass food safety certification course –Food safety calendar printed for distribution to over 1900 high and medium- risk premises in Simcoe Muskoka –Issued over 700 Special Event Permits

13. Emergency Management External emergency planning with partnerships/committees: –municipalities, health sector coordination, other health units, Red Cross & Social Service Agencies. Response experiences: –H1N1 influenza pandemic, G8 Summit, train derailment, tornadoes/storm events, floods, power outages, chemical fires.

14. Immunization Provision and Promotion 7,629 vaccinations delivered in 7 health unit office clinics (i.e. multiple clinics offered in each of our offices) 11,517 influenza vaccinations delivered in 53 public clinics 20,252 HBV, HPV and Meningococcal vaccinations delivered in school clinics Thus 39,398 total vaccinations delivered by SMDHU staff in 2011 Most early childhood vaccines provided by family physicians (supplied and guided by public health)

15. Dental services provided in Simcoe Muskoka Healthy Smiles Ontario clinics provide full dental services to low- income families and others on government-funded dental benefits. Full treatment services at the health unit’s Barrie clinic location. Healthy Smiles Ontario bus visits communities throughout Simcoe Muskoka. Oral health surveillance in schools, and community reporting.

16. Reproductive Health Program Preconception Health –An increased proportion of individuals in their reproductive years are physically, emotionally, and socially prepared for conception Healthy Pregnancies and Birth Outcomes –An increased proportion of pregnant women and their families adopt practices to support a healthy pregnancy Preparation For Parenthood –An increased proportion of expectant parents are physically, emotionally, and socially prepared to become parents

17. HBHC Program Mandate & Scope Province-wide voluntary prevention/early intervention program Goals: –To promote optimal physical, cognitive, communicative and psychosocial development in children who are at risk prenatal to age 6 years –To act as a catalyst for a coordinated, effective, integrated system of services and supports for healthy child development and family wellbeing through the development of a network of service providers and participation in community planning activities

18. Injury and Substance Misuse Prevention Program Injury –Road and off road safety –Falls across the lifespan –Working towards a Regional Falls Prevention Strategy for older adults Substance Misuse –Alcohol Focus Report –Work with all levels of government on alcohol control measures –Working towards a Drug and Alcohol Strategy

19. Chronic Disease Prevention Program Tobacco Program –Preventing young people from smoking –Protecting people from exposure to second-hand smoke –Supporting people to quit smoking –Enforcing the Smoke Free Ontario Act Healthy Lifestyle Program –Promoting healthy eating and food security –Promoting physical activity –Reviewing official and other municipal plans related to health

20. The Social and Economic Determinants of Health Access to education, meaningful employment, sufficient income Secure access to basic material needs – living wage, housing, transportation (community design) Access to social networks / supports (community design) Early child development (prenatal factors, positive parenting, secure and stimulating environment)

21. Final Thoughts Improving the health of the public is achieved through joint work with many partners in and out of the health care system – most commonly with family physicians. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit continues to be committed to excellence in public health.

22. Clinical Services at SMDHU Lisa Simon MD, MPH, CCFP, FRCPC Associate Medical Officer of Health

23. Clinical Services Team Structure Vaccine Preventable Disease Team –Goal: To reduce or eliminate the burden of vaccine preventable diseases. Communicable Disease Team –Goal: To prevent or reduce the burden of infectious diseases of public health importance Sexual Health Team –Goal: To prevent or reduce the burden of sexually transmitted infections and blood-borne infections. –Goal: To promote healthy sexuality.

24. Examples of Vaccine-Preventable Disease Team Activities

25. School Immunization Programs Hepatitis B (Grade 7) –Only 2 immunizations are required vs 3 for the adult schedule Meningococcal C-ACYW-135 (Grade 7) HPV (Grade 8 girls) –Uptake remains lower than optimal – multiple reasons, but still impacted by initial negative media and perceived sexual promiscuity associated with being vaccinated –2013 US estimates of reduction in HPV prevalence following intro of vaccine –What if a parent of one of your male adolescent patients asks you for the HPV vaccine for their son?

26. Immunizations and school suspensions Health Unit (HU) required under the Immunization of School Pupil’s Act (ISPA) to collect and maintain up-to-date records of immunization for every child registered in school in Simcoe and Muskoka Under ISPA, parents required to provide HU with proof of completed immunization for following diseases or with appropriate documentation if choose not to immunize child: –Diseases: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella –Documentation: Form 1 - Medical Exemption, or Form 2 - Statement of Conscience or Religious Belief Affidavit –May be suspended if one of the above aren’t provided

27. Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFIs)

28. Vaccine Hesitancy Understand the specific vaccine concerns of the parent: Use motivational interviewing, ie, questions that are client-centred, semi-directive and aimed at changing behaviour Stay on message and use clear language to present evidence of vaccine benefits and risks fairly and accurately, e.g. “Vaccines are safe and effective, and serious disease can occur if your child and family are not immunized.” Inform parents about the rigour of the vaccine safety system Address the issues of pain with immunization –Reducing the pain of childhood vaccination: An evidence-based clinical practice guideline. CMAJ 2010;182(18):1989-95. Do not dismiss children from your practice because parents refuse to immunize Working with vaccine-hesitant parents. MacDonald NE, Finlay JC; Canadian Paediatric Society Infectious Diseases and Immunization Committee. Paediatr Child Health 2013;18(5):265-7

29. VPD Resources for Clinical Practice Available on SMDHU’s soon-to-be-revised web portal for primary care providers: –MOHLTC publicly funded immunization schedule –Canadian immunization guide (online) and new NACI statements –Patient resources: SMDHU vaccine fact sheets SMDHU Focus on HealthSTATS 2011 report on vaccines (& references) –And more…

30. Examples of Communicable Disease Team Activities

31. Communicable Diseases Reportable to Public Health

32. Advising on chemoprophylaxis for contacts of select CDs – examples: Pertussis Invasive Group A Strep Invasive meningococcal disease Haemophilus influenza B Measles Hepatitis B HIV Influenza outbreaks

34. Pertussis: Management of Contacts Period of Communicability: Highly communicable in the early catarrhal stage and beginning of the paroxysmal stage (first 2 weeks) and then communicability gradually decreases and becomes negligible in about 3 weeks. No longer communicable after 5 days of effective treatment. There is no evidence that antibiotic prophylaxis of contacts changes the epidemic course of pertussis in the community, therefore, it is only recommended for the following contacts of confirmed pertussis cases who are: –household contacts (including attendees at family daycare centers) where there is a vulnerable person defined as an infant < 1 year of age [vaccinated or not] or a pregnant woman in the third trimester.

35. Pertussis: Management of Contacts (cont.) –For out of household exposures, vulnerable persons, defined as infants less than one year of age regardless of immunization status and pregnant women in their third trimester who have had face-to-face exposure and/or have shared confined air for > 1 hour. The local health unit will identify persons who meet the contact definition above and advise them about chemoprophylaxis and refer them to their physician for prescriptions. Prophylaxis is the same as treatment (macrolide) and should be given within 21 days after exposure.

36. Public Health - CD Resources Useful for Clinical Practice General: –Red Book (AAP) –Ontario Public Health Standards (OPHS) ID protocol – Appendix for each reportable disease (free online) –SMDHU communicable disease fact sheets TB: –Tuberculosis: Information for Health Care Providers (Lung Association, free online) –Canadian TB Standards, 7th edition (released June 2013) Key updates on SMDHU website and through HealthFAX –Increased disease activity, emerging infections, etc.

37. Examples of Sexual Health Team activities

38. Sexually Transmitted Infections A 35 y.o. woman is a patient in your practice. During routine prenatal testing, she tests positive for gonorrhea through a cervical PCR swab. As a family physician in Simcoe-Muskoka, what are your responsibilities to the woman, her sexual contacts and to the public health unit? How can the public health unit assist you?

39. New: PHO Guidelines for Testing and Treatment of Gonorrhea in Ontario, 2013 Select messages: Issue: –Emergent multi-drug resistant gonorrhea Testing: –Culture is preferred option for laboratory testing of symptomatic patients Treatment: –Oral cefixime is no longer first line therapy for the treatment of gonorrhea in Ontario –New first line therapy: Ceftriaxone 250 mg IM + Azithromycin 1 g PO Anything else, given she’s pregnant?

40. Information requested from Public Health on a standardized form Demographic and contact information Date of positive test: Reason for testing: –Symptoms– Routine test –Contact of a case – Prenatal Screen Treatment provided and Date of Treatment: Check here if patient is pregnant: –E.D.C.

41. Information requested from Public Health on a standardized form (cont.) Partner Notification: Public Health will contact patient to ensure notification, education, testing and/or treatment of partner(s) is completed unless otherwise indicated by physician. Partner(s) within the last 2 months should be notified for testing and treatment. Patient informed that a Public Health Nurse will be calling him/her: □ Yes □ No

42. Blood and Body Fluid Exposure Step 1 – Treat Exposure Site Step 2 – Assess the Exposure Risk –Body fluid –Type of injury/exposure –Inoculum size –Source patient (BBI status / risk factors) Step 3 – Test the Source Person & Exposed Person –Test source patient –Baseline testing of exposed patient Step 4 – PEP Management –HBV Exposure –HCV Exposure –HIV Exposure Step 5 – Follow Up –Testing and counselling

43. Public Health – SH Resources Useful for Clinical Practice Canadian Guidelines on STIs (online) PHO guidelines on gonorrhea (online) SMDHU post-exposure management documents (soon to be online)

44. Family Health at SMDHU: Reproductive Health Child Health Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Program Sue Surry, MD FRCPC (Pediatrics) Associate Medical Officer of Health

45. The Well Child: “public health” in primary care Healthy Pregnancy Nutrition Breastfeeding Complementary foods… Canada’s Food Guide Supplements (folate, vitamin D, iron, fluoride) Growth and development 18 month screen, community referral pathways Physical activity guidelines Parenting (Triple P) Healthy Schools (mental health, healthy sexuality) Safety Physical injury prevention (car seats, childproofing, substances) Infection risk reduction (oral health, immunization, PEP, sexual health) Potential hazard exposure reduction (tobacco, pesticides etc)

46. Your 10:15 appointment, Ms. Simcoe Muskoka 28 yo G1 presents to you for prenatal care at 8 weeks History and physical unremarkable Ht 170 cm, Wt 80 kg Estimates weight gain “only about 5 lbs so far” Simcoe wants to know: –How much weight should she expect to gain? Subtext: Does it really matter? –Is it true that she is “eating for two”? –She started attending a gym twice a week since New Years, is that still okay?

47. Canada adopts IOM guidelines (2009): Recommended weight gain rates and ranges by pre-pregnancy BMI Pre-pregnancy BMI category Mean rate of weight gain in the 2nd and 3rd trimester Recommended range of total weight gain kg/weeklb/weekkglbs BMI < 18.5 Underweight 0.5 kg1.0 lb12.5–18 kg28-40 lb BMI 18.5 - 24.9 Normal weight 0.4 kg1.0 lb11.5–16 kg25-35 lb BMI 25.0 - 29.9 Overweight 0.3 kg0.6 lb7-11.5 kg15-25 lb BMI ≥ 30 Obese 0.2 kg0.5 lb5–9 kg11-20 lb

48. Food and Exercise in Pregnancy Survey Results for BMI and GWG Pre-pregnancy BMI: < 18.5 (underweight) 18.5-24.9 (normal range) ≥ 25 (overweight or obese) 5% 54% 41% Gestational Weight Gain Rate Below recommended Within recommended Exceeding recommended 14% 28% 58% Gestational Weight Gain Range (Below recommended) Within recommended Exceeding recommended (53%) 24% 23% Copyright © 2011. Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. All rights reserved.

49. Ms. Muskoka’s 24 week visit Pregnancy proceeding well, no new medical concerns Wt 85 kg Simcoe has been doing a lot of thinking and internet reading since you pointed out her BMI category… –What can she do to help her child maintain a healthy weight growing up??

50. Start all kids on the path to health –Education of women –Pre-px health check –Prenatal curriculum –Breastfeed!! –Use well child visits well… Change food environments –Advocate for system change Create healthy communities –Develop the knowledge/skills of professionals to support parents

51. Ms. Muskoka’s 32 week visit Pregnancy continues to progress normally Wt 87 kg Simcoe has broadened her anxiety about her child’s future to parenting in general –What is the Best Method? Is there a book?? –She has heard that some people get a public health nurse assigned to visit them regularly and help with stuff like this: is this true and how can she sign up? –How on earth is she going to find answers to all the questions she knows she is going to have otherwise?

52. SMDHU: We’re here to help Simcoe Muskoka… SMDHU Website

53. Community Water Fluoridation Advocacy in Orillia Charles Gardner, Medical Officer of Health MD, CCFP, MHSc, FRCPC (PHPM)

54. Orillia’s fluoridation history 1966: –June 1st: Passed a by-law authorizing CWF –Fluoridation purchase made but not commenced –November 7th: Passed a by-law putting the question to voters pursuant to the Fluoridation Act: “Are you in favour of the discontinuance of the fluoridation of the public water supply of this municipality?” –November 15th: Passed a by-law to provide for the taking of the vote Yes – 4,223No – 1,838 Late 1970’s - 1980’s: Council may have discussed CWF again but did not pursue it. 2009: Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit report on the state of Oral Health gets Council attention; Council approved a public consultation 2011: In June Council reaffirmed that it would hold a public consultation

55. Orillia public consultation on community water fluoridation in 2012 First public meeting – information gathering –Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 –Council Chamber, City Centre Building, 50 Andrew St. South, Orillia Second public meeting – report & recommendations –Tuesday, May 29th, 2012 –Council Chamber –Draft City Staff report to Council released: http://www.orillia.ca/en/livinginorillia/Fluoridation.asp http://www.orillia.ca/en/livinginorillia/Fluoridation.asp Staff report to Council Committee meeting on July 16th, 2012

56. Reviewing Fluoridation in Orillia The Health Unit has a legal mandate to protect and promote health, and to prevent disease in Orillia, Simcoe, Muskoka and Barrie. Orillia’s children have the most decayed teeth among the 10 largest communities in Simcoe Muskoka (SMDHU screening data, 2009-2011). Systematic reviews of the research have concluded that fluoridation is a safe and effective way to reduce tooth decay. –Added benefit to a healthy diet, oral hygiene, and dental care. Particularly important for those of lower income. Fluoridation is a challenging, polarizing issue. –Perceived health risks, vulnerable groups such as infants / children, industrial source, and concerns regarding legality and rights. –Our goal: to provide accurate, valid, science-based information and advice.

57. Orillia’s high rate of child dental decay

58. Elevated severe dental decay in Orillia

60. Similar cities, different decay rates Decay Rates for JK, SK, Grade 2, 2010/11 Orillia (No water fluoridation) St. Thomas (100% of population has water fluoridation) 2006 Population (2006 Census)30,26036,110 Average number of decayed, missing or filled teeth per child 2.51.4 Percent of children with cavities44%15% A comparison of Orillia with St. Thomas, Ontario Source: SMDHU screening data 2010-2011 and data provided by Elgin/St. Thomas Public Health Unit

61. Comparison Between St. Thomas and Orillia Socio-Economic Status Indicator (source: 2006 Census) Orillia (No water fluoridation) St. Thomas (100% of population has water fluoridation) Simcoe Muskoka (7% of pop. has water fluoridation) Ontario (76% of pop has water fluoridation ) 2006 Population: 30,26036,110479,80012,160,300 % of all census families that are lone parent families 20.9%18.0%14.0%15.8% Median after-tax income in 2005 - All census families $50,199$55,143$58,237$59,377 % in low income after tax - All persons 10.0%8.5%6.5%11.1% % in low income after tax - Persons less than 18 years 10.7%10.3%7.4%13.7% % of population 35-64 years old without certificate, diploma or degree 18.3%19.0%16.6%15.0% Unemployment rate 5.7%6.3%5.6%6.4% Decay Rates for JK, SK, Grade 2, 2010/11 (source: SMDHU screening data 2010-2011 and data provided by Elgin/St. Thomas Public Health Unit) Average number of decayed, missing or filled teeth per child 2.51.42.0 % of children with cavities 44%15%39% # children screened 1150121914358

62. What is fluoride and fluoridation? Fluoride is a mineral that naturally occurs in rocks, soil, and water. –Fluoride makes the outer layer of teeth (the enamel) stronger. –Hydrofluorosilicic acid used for CWF. Produced during phosphate production –National Sanitation Foundation standards. Fluoridation: adding fluoride to municipal water supply to the concentration range to optimize dental benefits while avoiding adverse effects. –Health Canada Maximum Acceptable Concentration is 1.5 parts per million. Recommended 0.7 ppm for dental benefits. Supported by measurements of fluoride consumption rates for children and adults. –Ontario Safe Drinking Water Act: 0.5 to 0.8 ppm fluoride required for CWF.

63. Major scientific research and reviews Health Canada Expert Panel, 2007 Oral Health in America A Report of the Surgeon General, 2000.Oral Health in America Systematic Review of Water Fluoridation UK/International study, 2000.Systematic Review of Water Fluoridation Recommendations for Using Fluoride to Prevent and Control Dental Caries in the United States US CDC, 2001.Recommendations for Using Fluoride to Prevent and Control Dental Caries in the United States Forum on Fluoridation Ireland, 2001.Forum on Fluoridation A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Fluoridation National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian Government, 2007.A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Fluoridation

64. Studies on the prevention of tooth decay Review of studies comparing communities with and without water fluoridation, meeting selection criteria for relevance and quality. –Outcomes: 35 original studies (2 systematic reviews): before-after, cross sectional, prospective / retrospective cohort, time series studies. 14.3% - 15.5% increase in children free of dental decay. Reduction of 2.61 decayed / missing / filled teeth per child. A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of FluoridationA Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Fluoridation. National Health and Medical Research Council, –Australian Government, 2007

65. Change in decayed, missing, and filled teeth for primary/permanent teeth (mean difference and 95% confidence interval) Source: Systematic review of water fluoridation. BMJ 2000;321;. McDonagh, M. et al

66. Dental fluorosis Dental fluorosis can occur with increased levels of fluoride consumption. –Fluorosis (mild): fine white streaks across the crowns of teeth. The prevalence of visually apparent fluorosis is very low with community water fluoridation (0.5 to 0.8 ppm). No increase in moderate / severe fluorosis with infant formula feeding. The prevalence of moderate dental fluorosis in Canada is low, and declining since 1996. Findings and Recommendations of the Fluoride Expert Panel. Health Canada. January 2007: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/water-eau/2008-fluoride-fluorure/index-eng.php http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/water-eau/2008-fluoride-fluorure/index-eng.php

68. Safety of water fluoridation The evidence from research does not support a link between exposure to fluoride in drinking water at 1.5 ppm and any adverse health effects, including: –Cancer McDonagh review (2000) of 26 studies: 24 found no increase, 1 found an increase, 1 found a reduction in cancer rates. Osteosarcoma – Bassin study (2006) found an increase for 7 y.o. boys - Douglas letter (2006), larger data set found no increase. Kim study (2011) with more accurate exposure measurements (bone fluoride concentrations) found no increase in cancer. Fluoride in Drinking Water. Prepared by the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water. Health Canada. Comment period ended November 27, 2009: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/consult/_2009/fluoride-fluorure/draft- ebauche-eng.php#t5http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/consult/_2009/fluoride-fluorure/draft- ebauche-eng.php#t5 An Assessment of Bone Fluoride and Osteosarcoma. Kim et al. J Dent Res 90(10):1171-1176, 2011.

70. Safety of water fluoridation The evidence does not support a link between exposure to fluoride in drinking water at 1.5 ppm and any adverse health effects, including: –Immunotoxicity –Reproductive / developmental toxicity –Genotoxicity –Fractures / skeletal fluorosis –Neurotoxicity / intelligence Studies of communities in China, Mexico – high fluoride concentrations, other causal factors (eg. lead, iodine) not reported. “There are significant concerns regarding the available studies, including quality, credibility, and methodological weaknesses.” Fluoride in Drinking Water. Prepared by the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water. Health Canada. Comment period ended November 27, 2009: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/consult/_2009/fluoride-fluorure/draft-ebauche-eng.php#t5http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/consult/_2009/fluoride-fluorure/draft-ebauche-eng.php#t5 Critical review of any new evidence on the hazard profile, health effects, and human exposure to fluoride and the fluoridating agents of drinking water. Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks. European Commission. 2010.

71. Who supports CWF? Orillia Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit Board of Health Leadership Council of the North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN Muskoka Simcoe Dental Society (including Orillia) Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital –Board of Directors –Department of Family Medicine –Department of Paediatric and Neonatal Medicine –Medical Advisory Committee Ontario Ontario Association of Public Health Dentistry Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health of Ontario Ontario Medical Association Association of Local Public Health Agencies (alPHa) Ontario Dental Association Ontario College of Dental Hygienists Canada Health Canada Canadian Association of Public Health Dentistry Canadian Dental Association Canadian Public Health Association Canadian Pediatric Society Canadian Cancer Society International World Health Organization (WHO) Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Recent US Surgeon General’s Report Federation Dentaire Internationale (FDI) American Cancer Society American Medical / Dental Associations

72. Public support for fluoridation Public support for adding fluoride to municipal water in Orillia

73. Other considerations Fluoridation is a collective solution to help reduce dental decay. Examples of other collective solutions: Treating water with chlorine to provide safe drinking water. Adding vitamin D to milk to prevent rickets and ensure healthy bones. Adding iodine to salt to ensure healthy physical and mental development. Adding folate the flour to prevent birth defects. Inexpensive and cost effective. Every $1 invested in community water fluoridation yields about $38 in savings each year from fewer cavities treated.1 1. J Publ Health Dent 2001;61(2):78–86

74. Outcomes SMDHU assisted the City of Orillia in their review of community water fluoridation over a period of over 1 year, ending in July, 2012 The resulting City staff report recommended the implementation of community water fluoridation, based on its profile of safety, effectiveness, cost effectiveness, and health equity. Physicians and dentists advocated for CWF as a means of improving dental health for their patients Despite this, on July 16th, 2012 Orillia City Council voted against fluoridation Lessons learned: –Very difficult to simply maintain fluoridation, let alone introduce it in the Ontario setting (increasing coverage in the USA and Quebec) –Possibly better to commence with Council with a broader focus on oral health as an issue?